The United States is poised to finalize a landmark $4.7 billion arms agreement with Egypt for the delivery of cutting-edge air defense systems, in a move aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between Cairo and Washington as regional security threats escalate.
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the proposed deal includes the supply of NASAMS systems, which are capable of intercepting a broad range of aerial threats, from drones to cruise missiles.
The package is expected to deliver over 900 missiles, including AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs and AIM-9X Sidewinders, alongside four AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radars, crucial for detection and tracking operations.
The deal represents the latest chapter in a rapidly expanding defense relationship. As highlighted by military intelligence outlet Zone Militaire, Egypt secured approval in September 2024 to acquire Stinger surface-to-air missiles worth $740 million, followed by authorization to purchase an AN/TPS-78 long-range radar for $304 million.
If approved, this new agreement would bring Cairo’s US defense acquisitions to more than $5.7 billion in under a year.
The DSCA stressed that the proposed sale is designed to bolster Egypt’s capacity to “address current and future threats” by improving its ability to detect and neutralize aerial dangers.
US officials argue that strengthening Egypt’s defenses is essential to promoting stability in a region frequently shaken by armed conflicts, cross-border tensions, and the activities of armed non-state groups.
Designated by Washington as a “major non-NATO ally,” Egypt holds a critical strategic position, bordering volatile territories such as the Gaza Strip, Israel, Sudan, and Libya. This geographic reality underscores US efforts to fortify Cairo’s military capabilities and ensure closer alignment with NATO standards, particularly as rival powers like Russia and China expand their influence in the region.
For Cairo, the agreement signals a continued drive to modernize its defense infrastructure and diversify its arsenal, even as it maintains military ties with other global players. The deal, now pending review by the US Congress, would significantly enhance Egypt’s role as a cornerstone of US security strategy in the Middle East.
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